NEW COMMIT: Emory University has earned their first verbal commitment for the fall of 2019 from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina’s Willem Goedecke.

Currently swimming for Wahoos Aquatic Club, Goedecke owns the Winter Juniors standard in the 200 back and concluded his summer season as a six-time finalist at the SC LCM Championships which included a runner-up finish in the 100m back. He raced both backstroke events at Juniors East last winter, won the 400 IM at the SC SCY Championships in February and had five finals appearances at Greensboro Sectionals in March.

Also representing Porter-Gaud School, Goedecke has won eight individual titles at the South Carolina Independent School State Championships. He set new SCISCA records in the 4×50 medley relay and 100 back as a senior in addition to winning the 100 free. The USA Swimming Scholastic All-American won the 200 free and 100 back as a junior as well as the 200 free and 100 fly during both his freshman and sophomore seasons.

He told Swimming World:

“I’m thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to Emory University! I chose Emory for its stellar academic opportunities and its incredible swim program. From the second I stepped on campus, I felt at home and didn’t want to leave. I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for helping me pursue my academic and athletic aspirations at Emory University. I can’t wait to represent Emory in the fall of 2019! #TalonsUp”

His best times include:

100 back – 51.16

200 back – 1:50.09

200 IM – 1:56.01

400 IM – 4:05.61

When he suits up for the Eagles as a member of the class of 2023, Goedecke will have one year of overlap with 2018 NCAA DIII 100 back champion Sage Ono. He would’ve scored in the A-final of both backstroke events as well as the B-final of the 400 IM at the 2018 UAA Championships where Emory won their 20th-consecutive conference title before taking second overall at Nationals.